Mayfair Theatre, Independent movie theater in Old Ottawa South, Canada
Mayfair Theatre is an independent cinema in Old Ottawa South featuring Spanish Revival architecture with Art Deco details throughout. The interior includes a proscenium arch, stained glass windows, and four decorative false balconies that frame the main auditorium.
Architect Daniel John Crighton designed this cinema, which opened on December 5, 1932 with The Blue Danube as its first film. The building gained heritage site status under the Ontario Heritage Act in 2008, securing its architectural integrity.
The theater has screened independent films and cult favorites on a rotating basis since 1981, creating a community space for cinema beyond commercial releases. Regulars gather here to experience movies that reflect diverse storytelling traditions.
The theater operates on a membership model offering special rates and benefits for regular visitors attending screenings. Plan time to appreciate the decorative architectural details both in the lobby and throughout the main auditorium before the film begins.
The venue is run and maintained by a dedicated community of film enthusiasts who have sustained its repertory format for decades. This grassroots approach sets it apart from the commercial multiplex cinemas surrounding the neighborhood.
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